The Supreme Court ruled unanimously on Thursday that a man who lost part of his leg in a 2017 tractor-trailer crash can sue the freight broker that arranged the load. The decision allows Shawn Montgomery to pursue his lawsuit against C.H. Robinson, the nation’s largest freight broker, over its role in hiring a carrier with a questionable safety record.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
The court’s ruling, authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, rejected arguments from the trucking industry that state negligence claims against brokers are preempted by federal law. The justices found that Montgomery’s claims fall under a safety exception in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act (FAAAA), which preserves state authority to regulate motor vehicle safety.
Deeper Dive and Context
Background of the Case
Montgomery was struck by a speeding truck driver in Illinois in 2017. His lawsuit alleges that C.H. Robinson should have been aware of the carrier’s safety issues, including prior crashes and a driver cited for careless driving. The broker and the Trump administration argued that allowing such lawsuits would create a “patchwork” of state laws and burden brokers with liability for safety screening, which they say is the federal government’s responsibility.
Industry and Legal Reactions
The decision could increase litigation and insurance costs for freight brokers, potentially raising prices for consumers, according to a concurrence by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, joined by Justice Samuel Alito. However, highway safety advocates view the ruling as a win for accountability in an industry facing record deaths and injuries.
Broader Implications
The ruling may pressure brokers to more thoroughly vet carriers, as they could now be held liable for negligent hiring. A CBS News investigation last year highlighted how some trucking companies evade federal oversight by reincarnating under new names. The case was backed by over two dozen states, while companies like Amazon opposed the lawsuit, arguing it would disrupt the industry.
The decision does not guarantee Montgomery will win his lawsuit, but it clears the way for the case to proceed.